Gimenez Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Bring Transparency to Online Shopping

Representatives Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) and Andy Kim (D-NJ) introduced the Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) Online Act in a bipartisan fashion.

Currently, products sold online do not have to provide the country of origin to consumers.

However, this bill would require that when patrons are considering a product on the internet, that product’s country of origin must be clearly stated in the description.

“This legislation closes this legal loophole and increases e-commerce transparency by updating labeling laws so online shoppers have the same protection and right to seller location information as in-person shoppers,” Rep. Gimenez’s press release mentioned.

The Florida congressman provided his thoughts as well, stating, “Whether you shop online or in-person, American consumers have the right to know where the products they buy are made,” said Rep. Gimenez. “This legislation increases transparency by extending in-person labeling requirements to e-commerce and ensures that all goods sold online list their country of origin. This protects American consumers from shoddy, unsafe, or counterfeit goods sold by companies in Communist China and promotes quality American-made products.

He concluded, “I am proud to work in a bipartisan manner to fix outdated labeling laws, increase transparency, protect consumers, and promote American businesses.”

Moreover, Rep. Kim said this bill will “bring clarity.”

“At one of my town halls, a constituent raised a concern they had with me. They felt that people should know where something they’re buying comes from. It’s about transparency, Americans deserve to know where their products are made,” said Congressman Kim. “Not only would this bring clarity about products made overseas, this bill would also make people aware of products they’re buying that are American made. I’m glad we can do this in a bipartisan way to make things more transparent, while also helping boost American manufacturers, businesses, and workers by telling people that something is made here in the United States.”

Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and J.D. Vance (R-OH) introduced the companion legislation in the upper chamber in May.

Rep. Gimenez serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the Homeland Security Committee, and the Select Committee on China.